ABSTRACT

Electra vs Oedipus explores the deeply complex and often turbulent relationship between mothers and daughters. In contrast to Sigmund Freud’s conviction that the father is the central figure, the book puts forward the notion that women are in fact far more (pre)occupied with their mother.

Drawing on the author’s extensive clinical experience, the book provides numerous case studies which shed light on women’s emotional development. Topics include:

  • love and hate between mothers and daughters
  • the history of maternal love
  • childbirth and depression
  • rejected mothers.

Electra vs Oedipus will be a valuable resource for psychoanalysts, psychotherapists and all those with an interest in the dynamics of the mother–daughter relationship.

chapter 2|22 pages

The symbiotic illusion

chapter 3|22 pages

History of maternal love

chapter 4|14 pages

Nina: Daughter of a single mother

chapter 5|20 pages

Electra versus Oedipus

chapter 6|26 pages

What does woman want?

chapter 7|16 pages

Childbirth and depression

chapter 8|15 pages

Martha: A woman in her middle years

chapter 9|14 pages

On rejected mothers

chapter 10|22 pages

History and hysteria